pit puppies

Question
I am acquiring a pit puppy how long is the weaning process the pup is approve. weeks old also what is your opinion on the general temperament of the breed I have had many dobies and no problems can pits be good all around pets on not depending on treatment

Answer
Hi Ralph,

No puppy should be taken from it's mother and litter-mates before 8 weeks of age.

Puppies learn a lot from their mothers, they learn to be submissive to the mother's leadership and what behaviors are acceptable. If necessary, she growls, snarls, or snaps at her puppies as a form of discipline. When weaning the litter, for instance, the mother will discipline her puppies so that they will leave her alone. Because the mother disciplines her litter in a way that they clearly understand, after a few repetitions, they will respond to a mere glare from their mother. If a pup has not learned to accept leadership (and discipline) in its early interactions with dogs, its training will be more difficult.

Puppies that are removed from their mothers too early tend to be nervous, more prone to barking and biting, and less responsive to discipline. Often they are aggressive with other dogs. Pitbulls are prone to these tendencies already, it would be best to give your Pitbull puppy the best start in life, by not taking him from his mother and litter-mates too soon.

My feeling on the Pitbull breed is that it's a great shame that through bad breeding and irresponsible owners the breed has gotten a great deal of negative attention. Traditionally, this breed was known to be wonderful family pets, who were great with children. I think they still are for the most part, but your puppy needs to be properly socialized and handled. Solid training will produce a tranquil, good, obedient, companion dog.
Make sure your Pitbull an ambassador for the breed, since too many people have bad feelings about them.

Your best chance for an even tempered puppy would be to purchase it from a responsible breeder who cares to improve the breed, and not one who breeds solely to make extra cash.
A good breeder can ensure that you get a puppy with a good temperament, and can also provide you with a health guarantee. This breed is prone to hip dyspepsia, hereditary cataracts, congenital heart disease and allergies. A pet store or back yard breeder would be a poor choice to purchase a Pitbull from.

If you already have another dog, a Pitbull may not be a good choice as a second dog. Some pit bulls will simply not tolerate any other dogs, regardless of sex. A few pit bulls will remain dog friendly their entire lives. The majority of pit bulls are at least same sex aggressive and as adults will not do well with other dogs of the same sex or those that are "pushy" with them, although as pups they may get along fine (this can be very misleading to a novice pit bull owner). Pit bulls will commonly start developing signs of dog aggression between the ages of 8 months and 2 years, although it can develop at any age and can come on either gradually or quite suddenly. It is important to note that many pit bulls do not display the "typical" signs of dog aggression before a fight. They may not growl, bark, or posture at all, but simply be alert and attack in an instant.

If you are a home owner, you would be wise to contact your home owner's insurance before getting a Pitbull, as some policies will go up if you simply own this breed. Some communities have "breed specific laws". For example, a law that states: "All pit bulls shall be muzzled when upon public property" is breed specific. You should investigate if there are laws regarding Pitbull ownership where you live.


I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti